House of Representatives on Thursday, urged the Federal Government to direct the Federal Ministry of Power and other government agencies and companies that are directly or indirectly involved in the management of electricity to immediately stop further billing or disconnection of electricity supply to public tertiary institutions in Nigeria using the current tariff.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Fulata, who solicited the House intervention.
In his lead debate, Hon. Fulata who observed that Tertiary Education is an invaluable tool for socio-economic development, frowned at the inadequate funding of public tertiary institutions across the country.
“The House also notes that Public Institutions in Nigeria offer education at minimal charges, most students cannot afford the fees and attempts by the institutions to increase school fees have always been met with resistance from the students;
“The House is concerned that due to inadequate funding by the Federal Government, public institutions are unable to operate optimally. Thus, the recent hike in electricity tariffs and the consequent power cut for defaulting institutions has thrown them into total darkness, putting important equipment at risk and the security of students and staff in jeopardy.
“The House is also concerned that the attendant riots by students due to the inability to use important learning equipment resulted in the closure of the affected institutions.
“The House is worried that grounding of academic activities in Nigeria could lead to increased frustration among students and potentially have severe socio-economic consequences.
“The House is aware that Section 14 (2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary responsibility of the government, while Section 18(1) of the Constitution mandates the Federal Government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
“The House is disturbed that if immediate measures are not taken to restore power supply and make electricity affordable in public institutions, the institutions will be forced to increase fees to meet up with current electricity costs and other bills, which would likely stir up violent resistance that may spell grave danger to the country.”
To this end, the House urged the Federal Government to direct the Federal Ministry of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, all the electricity Distribution Companies, and other government agencies, companies, or stations across the country that are directly or indirectly involved in the management of electricity in Nigeria to immediately stop further billing or disconnection of electricity supply to public tertiary institutions in Nigeria using the current tariff.
The lawmakers also tasked the present administration to direct the relevant agencies to immediately reverse the Service-Based Tariff of public tertiary institutions to either Band ‘C’ or Band ‘D’.
Hence, the House mandated the joint Committees on University Education, Polytechnics and Technical College and Federal Colleges of Education, Power, and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the relevant bodies to come up with a workable, affordable, and sustainable electricity tariff regime for Public Tertiary Institutions and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
